October is breast cancer awareness month, but how well do we understand the disease?
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, breast cancer is a disease in which cells in the breast grow out of control.
Cancer in the breast can stem from different parts. Most breast cancers begin in the ducts or lobules. For others, cancerous cells spread through the blood and lymph vessels.
Awareness
In most screening camps or awareness sessions, healthcare providers tend to point out that lump growth is the most common symptom of the illness.
This has led to panic among females who at times associate lumps, sometimes benign, to potential breast cancer.
It is important to note that there are various symptoms of breast cancer including;
- Dimpling of the breast skin
- Nipple turns inwards
- Lump under the arm or collarbone
- Skin changes on the breast or nipple
- Breast swelling
- Discharge or blood coming out of the nipple
When to get examined
The Kenya National Screening Guidelines recommend screening annually for both men and women aged between 40-55 years.
Those aged between 56-74 are required to undergo a mammogram at least once every two years.
If you are aged below 40, you are advised to have an ultrasound done.
Why Do You Need To Get Tested?
Numbers released by the Ministry of Health in October 2022 showed that about seven women succumb to breast cancer daily.
“Breast cancer accounts for over 3,107 deaths making it the 2nd leading cause of all cancer deaths in the country,” added their statement.
Now while people were previously encouraged to undertake self-testing, new research indicates that it’s not recommended anymore.
What’s New?
Trisha Pasricha, the Ask a Doctor columnist for The Washington Post, indicated that self-testing has not necessarily led to prevention of cancer deaths.
Dr Pasricha points out that the self-testing practice was highly recommended at a time when screening machines were not widespread.
Consequently, persons who randomly undertake this procedure, mostly while showering or dressing, ended up undergoing invasive biopsies only to find out that the lumps are benign.
This, however does not take away the fact that sensitization on breast cancer screening is of utmost importance.
Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2023
Various hospitals are providing free or discounted breast cancer screening visits.
The National Cancer Institute of Kenya reminds you that “cancer diagnosis, through pathology and imaging, is conducted from level 4 facilities and above in Kenya.”
The biggest challenge with cancer diagnosis and treatment remains finances.
The government recently rolled out a primary healthcare program across counties, with the aim of disease prevention rather than treatment.
